Hey guys, I'm a car guy more than a boat guy and was wondering if some of you could offer me some advice on what to repower my Scarab 26 with. It had a 454 Mag/Bravo one in it and it was pretty much a dog, seemed like an eternity before the thing would even plane and she'd max out around 60mph. I'd like to be able to accelerate faster and do at least 70mph with out giving up the smoothness and reliablity of my original motor. Any suggestions as to the best way to achieve this with around $30K? I've seen that I could do a Mercury racing 575sci with a Merc XR drive for around this, is this a good combo? if so what XR drive should I use and with what ratio? Thanks for any help! -Tom [email protected]

teidsmore
It depends on how much of that 30K you want to spend and how fast you want to go.
If it was my money and wanted to keep the 26', I would start with a 500 or 525. With that boat a Bravo should handle it. My 26' ft Scarab will do 68GPS with its 502.
My second choice if I had that 30K would be to sell the 26, take the 30K and go to a bigger boat all ready set up.
Just my .02 not 30K worth. good luck

I will make you a great deal on a new 540ci 650HP EFI engine with a Bravo I XR 1.36 ratio drive for $29,500. This package will have a 1 yr warranty and is ready to ship. I will email pictures and specs.
[email protected]

Sounds like a nice package, with a warranty Who built the motor?

I would also sell the 26 and take that $$ plus the 30k and buy something bigger, newer, and already runs in the 70's.

You're gonna put 30k into that boat??
Do you really love it? or is it an heirloom?

It seems like alot to put into power for an olderboat.
You could just buy an HP500 and just have the bravo rebuilt for about 10-11k.
Where are you located? There are engine builders you could take that same HP500, and for a few grand, they'll get it to 600hp.

I agree sell the boat and add the money go 30' with twins.

It is Derebery Performance Marine engine. Fresh new build that I would like to make a deal on. Dyno sheets and internal components are available by email.

I would also think about selling the boat and moving up--if you think you will want a bigger boat someday, buy a bigger boat before you dump tons of ca$h into this one.

remember guys.....sometimes going to a bigger boat means a truck upgrade, bigger boat wont fit in current parking space......blah blah blah......it can get right out of hand